March 7, 2025 – Ottawa: Family reunification remains a key pillar of Canada’s immigration system. Through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their loved ones to live, work, and thrive alongside them in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced its latest updates regarding the PGP program for 2025, with key details on application intake, processing times, and alternative options for family reunification.
2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Intake
This year, IRCC aims to accept up to 10,000 complete sponsorship applications under the PGP program. However, rather than opening a new intake for interest to sponsor forms, IRCC will continue its approach from previous years and send invitations to randomly selected applicants who submitted forms in 2020. This means that no new interest to sponsor forms will be accepted in 2025.
If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, check your email regularly—you may receive an invitation to apply from IRCC in the coming months. If you did not submit a form in 2020, you will not be able to apply under this year’s intake but can explore other options, such as the Super Visa or an HNC application (Humanitarian and Compassionate application).
Processing Times for Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Applications
The processing times for PGP applications vary depending on location:
- Outside Quebec: Approximately 24 months
- Quebec Applicants: Approximately 48 months due to the province’s stricter family class admission targets
IRCC continues to balance the number of applications processed with available spaces, considering the changes in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which has led to an overall reduction in immigration targets.
Alternative Options: The Super Visa instead of Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
If you were not selected under the PGP program but still wish to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended period, the Super Visa remains a viable alternative.
Why Choose the Super Visa?
- Stay up to 5 years per visit (with an option to apply for a 2-year extension without leaving Canada)
- Multiple entries for up to 10 years
- More accessible health insurance requirements, making it easier for applicants to meet eligibility criteria
- No need to wait for an invitation—applications are accepted year-round
Our legal experts at Visa Serve Immigration Law P.C. can assist you in preparing a strong Super Visa application, ensuring a smooth process for family reunification.
Special Consideration: Humanitarian and Compassionate (HNC) Applications
For individuals who are single children residing in Canada and wish to sponsor their parents but do not qualify under the PGP program, an HNC application may be an option. These applications consider compelling humanitarian factors, such as medical needs, lack of support in the home country, and the best interests of any children involved.
HNC applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and our experienced immigration lawyers can help assess your eligibility and build a strong case for your parents’ permanent residence in Canada.
Stay Updated on the 2025 PGP Program
IRCC has stated that more details about the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) intake, including invitation timelines, will be released in the coming months. Stay informed by subscribing to Visa Serve’s updates and consulting our expert immigration lawyers to explore your best options for family reunification.
If you need assistance with a PGP application, Super Visa, or an HNC application, contact Visaserve Immigration Law P.C. today! Our experienced team is here to help you bring your loved ones to Canada legally and efficiently.
📞 Call Us Now: +1 905-203-2266
📧 Email Us: info@visaserve.ca
